Where to Stay in Portland (Best Areas & Places)

7 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Portland

Portland is split into six “quadrants,” (yep, there’s six, not four) with many smaller neighborhoods within them. These quadrants are North, Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and South Portland. 

Northwest, Southwest, and South Portland are on the west side of Willamette River, and the other quadrants are on the east. The North and Northeast are bordered on the north end by the Columbia River.

To make this simple for visitors, I will overview each quadrant, but also focus on a couple standout neighborhoods within them. For example, Downtown is part of the Southwest quadrant, but I’ve included it as its own entry. I’ll make it clear within each overview which neighborhoods I think visitors will especially love. 

Downtown Portland

👉 Best Area For A Central Location and Hotel Density | ✨ Best Downtown Portland Hotels: Heathman Hotel • Dossier Hotel • The Nines 

Stay in Downtown Portland if you love convenience. It’s central, compact, easily walkable, and well-served by public transit. Another perk? It has the highest concentration of hotels within the city, and many of them are quite affordable.

On my last trip to Portland, I stayed at Dossier Hotel and loved my experience here. The staff was warm and accommodating, and the view from our corner room on the top floor was amazing. 

The Heathman Hotel is the city’s oldest hotel, and it’s also downtown. I hope to stay here at some point because it has an epic library filled with books by Nobel and Pulitzer prize winners, all signed by their authors. It’s basically a book lover’s dream.

Downtown isn’t as lively as it was pre-pandemic, but there’s a lot to do here, especially for first-time visitors. The Portland Art Museum is lovely, and the MAX can whisk you to Washington Park in 15 minutes. Grab a coffee (Spella Caffe makes a great cup), and go for a walk by the river at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Or simply wander the streets and admire the murals and interesting architecture. 

There’s great food downtown, too. Midtown Beer Garden is ideal for budgeters who love options – I promise there’s something for literally any craving you have. For a more upscale treat, visit Maurice, a quaint French-Norwegian cafe. 

While downtown could be a good choice for visitors, it does have some downsides. Traffic can be congested, and parking isn’t always readily available, especially if you don’t want to pay for a valet. Also, there is very visible homelessness downtown, which can be jarring and make some travelers uncomfortable.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Portland:

• One of the most walkable and transit-friendly areas
• Close to the city’s top attractions and easy to get to other neighborhoods
• Lot of hotels in a variety of price-points
• Plenty of restaurants and shops

Cons of Staying in Downtown Portland:

• Very visible homelessness
• Not the best place to have a rental car
• Some areas are noisy and may not feel as safe at night
• Leans touristy; not the best place for authentic Portland charm

Northwest Portland (Pearl District & Nob Hill)

👉 Best Area For Hiking and Bar Hopping | ✨ Best Northwest Portland Hotels: Inn at Northrup Station • Northwest Portland Hostel • Silver Cloud Hotel – Portland

Northwest Portland is a massive area just north of downtown. The Pearl District and Nob Hill are the two trendy neighborhoods to set your eyes on in this quadrant. While the homes here can be pricey, the hotels are reasonable and highly-rated.

The Northwest Portland Hostel in the Pearl District is my top budget pick, especially for solo travelers wanting to socialize. The hostel hosts regular group activities like walking tours, wine tastings, and trivia nights.

Nob Hill’s Inn at Northrup Station is also a great choice within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and galleries along NW 23rd & NW 21st Streets. The hotel’s quirky and colorful decor kind of reminds me of a studio set from an early 2000s sitcom. 

Northwest Portland is ideal for people who prioritize two things: hiking and bar hopping. A large part of this quadrant is dominated by Forest Park, Portland’s gem of a hiking destination. It has over 80 miles of trails, including one that leads to Pittock Mansion, a fantastic local history museum.

Prefer bars over trails? Some of the city’s best are here. Both Nob Hill and the Pearl are walkable and densely-packed, so you can safely check out multiple in the same night. Pope House, Teardrop Lounge, and Pink Rabbit are a few to get started at.

For culture, check out the dozens of art galleries throughout the Pearl District. I’d be remiss not to mention that this area is also home to Powell’s City of Books, the largest bookstore in the country.

While these neighborhoods are great, they’re hardly a secret, meaning they can still feel a bit touristy. Their popularity comes with a higher price tag, which you’ll notice with dining out. Finally, be cautious when exploring parts of Old Town, another neighborhood in the quadrant, especially at night.

Pros of Staying in Northwest Portland:

• Packed with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and top-rated bars
• One of the best areas for nightlife
• Walkable neighborhoods with good public transit
• Easy access to hiking trails in Forest Park
• Close to downtown and Portland’s top attractions

Cons of Staying in Northwest Portland:

• Can still feel a little touristy
• Prices at restaurants and bars are on the higher side
• Visible homelessness, particularly around Old Town
• Car break-ins are not uncommon here and parking is a pain; not the best place to have a rental car

North Portland (Boise & St. Johns)

👉 Best Area For Parks and Small Town Vibes | ✨ Best North Portland Hotels: Viking Motel • McMenamins White Eagle

Want to see the city’s charming side? Spend some time in North Portland. This lowkey area is mostly residential, but two neighborhoods I think travelers will appreciate are Boise and St. Johns. 

The Boise neighborhood contains the two streets you’ll find locals hanging out in this quadrant: Mississippi and Williams Avenue. These bustling streets have excellent restaurants, top-tier tattoo parlors, and lively bars. 

You’ll also find a bunch of one-of-a-kind businesses here. Think an aquarium bar with Classical statues, a magical tea shop with tarot readings, and a kitty-themed gift shop where every item has a cat on it.

St. Johns is pretty removed from the rest of Portland, giving it a calmer, small-town feel. It has a central commercial area with a cluster of great restaurants, breweries, taphouses, and cafes. It’s also near Sauvie Island, where you can take a day trip to go birdwatching, visit farms, and hang out at a beach.

Both neighborhoods are close to excellent parks and green spaces. Cathedral City Park is one of Portland’s best, located right on the river and beneath the St. Johns Bridge. Peninsula Park is home to the state’s oldest public rose garden and is a stunning place to picnic or stroll.

While Boise and St. Johns are the neighborhoods I’d recommend travelers spend time in, there aren’t many hotels in either area. To be close to Boise, book a room at the historic McMenamins White Eagle. Just know it’s not the best spot for light sleepers because it doubles as a live music venue. 

Prefer St. Johns? You’ll be better off searching for a St. Johns home or apartment rental.

Pros of Staying in North Portland:

• Lots of unique local businesses & restaurants around Mississippi & Williams
• Calm area for families
• Easy access to nature and parks for hiking, kayaking, birdwatching
• Good location for day trips into Washington

Cons of Staying in North Portland:

• Not many hotels in the area
• Further away from some of the main tourist attractions
• Spread out and not particularly walkable; you’ll want a rental car

Northeast Portland (Alberta Arts District & Kerns)

👉 Best Area For Art Lovers | ✨ Best Northeast Portland Hotels: Tiny Digs – Hotel of Tiny Houses • McMenamins Kennedy School • The Alberta Petite Hotel • Cascada Thermal Springs & Hotel

I adore Northeast Portland! I think this diverse quadrant caters well to multiple groups, but particularly those who love art. 

The Alberta Arts District is the place most people know and love in this quadrant. Colorful murals are just about everywhere. Wander Alberta Street to check out art galleries, bookstores, restaurants, and the historic Alberta Rose Theater. You’ll find dozens of specialty shops that will pique your curiosity and inspire creativity. 

I think I could spend all day in the Alberta Arts District without getting bored, especially on the last Thursday of the month. Last Thursday on Alberta Street is a long-running street fair with local artisans, performers, and an upbeat atmosphere. Attending is a must.

The hotels here are as unique as the area. Cascada Thermal Springs & Hotel is right on NE Alberta Street and is ideal for visitors who want a wellness-focused stay. It offers regular fitness classes and has an unbeatable spa. McMenamins Kennedy School is a school-turned-hotel with multiple restaurants and bars, a movie theater, and a soaking pool. It’s an easy walk to Alberta.

On the south end of the quadrant, you’ll find Kerns, another great area to stay in. Because it’s further south, it’s convenient to reach both Alberta Street and some incredible spots in Southeast Portland. 

I stayed in Kerns with a friend at Tiny Digs – Hotel of Tiny Houses, which is beyond adorable.  This hotel consists of twelve themed tiny houses. We stayed in Arthur and loved the cheery yellow interior and its train-car theme.

Finally, stay in Northeast Portland if you’re flying into town and only have one night in Portland. PDX is in this quadrant, and most hotels are only a 10-15 minute drive from the airport.

Pros of Staying in Northeast Portland:

• Lots of great murals, art, and creative businesses throughout the area
• Closest to PDX and a good place to stay for one night
• Unique hotel options
• Diverse area with great events

Cons of Staying in Northeast Portland:

• The further east you stay, the less convenient for visitors
• Far from attractions on the west side
• Public transit can take a while to move from north to south; you’ll probably want a rental car

Southeast Portland (Hawthorne & Richmond)

👉 Best Area For Vintage Shops and Portland Authenticity | ✨ Best Southeast Portland Hotels: Bluebird Guesthouse • Evermore Guesthouse

Searching for Portland at its most authentic? The Southeast Portland quadrant is where you’ll find it. 

Southeast Portland is huge, but the Hawthorne District and Richmond are two great areas for visitors. Buckman is also part of Southeast Portland, but I’ve included it as its own entry.

This quadrant is largely residential, but its walkable commercial districts have vintage shops, innovative restaurants, creative bars, and fun theaters and venues. Hawthorne is an incredible street for vintage shopping, with an almost overwhelming amount of options. There are more great shops and restaurants on Belmont and Division Street.

This is one of the best quadrants for foodies. Some stand out restaurants include Bluto’s, Lauretta Jean’s, and Khao Moo Dang, but you won’t need to search hard for a good meal. The original Stumptown Coffee Roasters is also in this quadrant, and the area’s best accommodations are nearby. Both are bed and breakfasts.

Evermore Guesthouse is one highly-rated option just a block from Division. It has a great breakfast, comfy beds, and is quiet at night. Bluebird Guesthouse is right on Division Street and has compact but cozy rooms at an affordable price point. Book either to stay in a gorgeous home and feel like a local.

You may want to rent a car to get around this quadrant since it’s quite spread out. However, it’s not a necessity since public transit going to the west side is reliable and bike lanes are plentiful. 

And if you’re looking for a nature fix, hit up the trails in Mount Tabor Park or Powell Butte Nature Park. These are two of Portland’s extinct volcano parks and they’re must visits for anyone searching for gorgeous Mount Hood views (…well, on a clear day).

Pros of Staying in Southeast Portland:

• Feels like the most authentic Portland area
• Lots of vintage shops
• Public transit and bike-friendly area
• Contains Mount Tabor and Powell Butte, two of the city’s extinct volcanoes

Cons of Staying in Southeast Portland:

• Not many highly-rated hotels outside of Buckman
• Further from popular attractions on the city’s west side

Buckman

👉 Best Area For Foodies and Entertainment | ✨ Best Buckman/Central Eastside Hotels: KEX Hotel • Hotel Grand Stark • Jupiter Next • Violet Suites PDX Boutique Hotel

Buckman is one of the best places to stay if you want the ability to step out of your hotel and immediately find something cool. 

This neighborhood is in the southeast quadrant, bordering the Willamette. Buckman has great hotels, and so many restaurants, bars, breweries, and live music venues you can easily walk to. The cherry on top is that its public transit is also great. 

The hotels are a good mix of budget-friendly and mid-range. KEX Hotel is a popular and affordable choice, with private and hostel-style rooms, an on-site bar, and a sauna. Families will love Violet Suites PDX Boutique Hotel. It’s an apartment hotel, and each suite has a fully equipped kitchen and enough space to spread out. Plus, it’s right around the corner from Hopscotch, which is a hit with kids.

Buckman is a big part of what makes the southeast quadrant so good for foodies. Some of the most loved Portland restaurants are here, including Le Pigeon and Kinboshi Ramen. 

Good drinks aren’t hard to find either, whether you’re craving beer in a kitschy dive bar or well-crafted cocktails in a mellow lounge. Try A Roadside Attraction for the former and Scotch Lodge for the latter.

Buckman’s other perk? You’d have to try hard not to find entertainment here. This area is packed with live music venues, movie theaters, performance halls, and comedy clubs. For some daytime entertainment, you can head to the museums. OMSI and the Oregon Rail Heritage Center are both near this area. 

A downside to Buckman is that it lacks green spaces and parks. But it’s not devoid of places for a casual stroll. On warm days, walk by the river at the Eastbank Esplanade or take a stroll over the Tilikum Crossing Bridge. 

And okay, if that doesn’t cut it, just catch the train across the river to Washington Park. Getting to Downtown and the west side from Buckman is a breeze.

Pros of Staying in Buckman:

• Very walkable
• Good budget and mid-range hotels
• Great area for entertainment
• Lots of excellent restaurants
• Could be a good area for families with older children
• Reliable public transit

Cons of Staying in Buckman:

• May be a bit too loud and busy for some travelers
• Not many green spaces in the area
• There is visible homelessness in some areas
• Some areas can feel a bit sketchy or unsafe at night

Southwest Portland (Multnomah & Goose Hollow)

👉 Best Area For Nature and Solitude | ✨ Best Southwest Portland Hotels: River’s Edge Hotel Portland • The Fulton House Bed & Breakfast • Hotel deLuxe • Capitol Hill Motel

Southwest Portland is where you’ll find a quieter side of Portland. While Downtown is technically part of this quadrant, this entry focuses on the areas outside of it. 

Southwest Portland can be a great place to stay if you prefer nature and solitude and don’t want to be near the hustle and bustle of popular neighborhoods. Here, you’ll find a more local versus touristy feel with a calmer atmosphere. This could be an excellent place for older travelers or those who like a meandering or suburban feel.

The Multnomah neighborhood has a lot of this quadrant’s standout restaurants and boutiques in its Multnomah Village. The Multnomah French Quarter is a wonderful food cart pod with great carts, several boutique stores, and occasional live music. Nearby, Otto and Anita’s Schnitzelhaus is a small, family-owned Bavarian restaurant. It’s a local favorite for its excellent schnitzels, pastries, and dill pickle soup.

Goose Hollow is another quaint area to stay in this quadrant because you can easily walk downtown, and you’re just a stop or two from Washington Park. Make sure to grab coffee and a breakfast burrito from Fehrenbacher Hof if you’re here. I’d be at that cozy coffee shop every day if I lived nearby.

I suggest staying at the very highly rated Fulton House Bed & Breakfast for a peaceful visit. It’s a bit far from the above two neighborhoods and technically in South Portland. But it’s a historic house (formerly a bordello) with a pretty garden, thoughtful hosts, and water proximity. Capitol Hill Motel is a cheaper option close to Multnomah Village. For both hotels, you’ll likely want a car.

Alternatively, you can stay in Goose Hollow at the highly-rated Hotel deLuxe if you want to skip the car rental. It’s walking distance to downtown, near public transit, and has a great Old Hollywood style.

Make an effort to visit the many green spaces in this area. Gabriel Park is popular with locals. Maquam Nature Park has uncrowded, dog-friendly hiking trails and ample tree coverage for hot days. Try Portland’s 4T trail for a unique hike that’ll take you through the city, parks, and forests. Make sure to enjoy the views when you reach Council Crest Park, which is the highest point in Portland.

Pros of Staying in Southwest Portland:

• Quieter, less touristy area
• Some parts (Goose Hollow) still easily accessible to downtown and major attractions
• Lots of parks for hiking and nature walks
• Easy water access
• Safe area

Cons of Staying in Southwest Portland:

• Not all areas have the best public transit; you’ll probably want a rental car
• May be a little too tame for some travelers
• Can take a while to get to other quadrants and PDX
• Not that many convenient hotel options

Tips for Staying in Portland

Portland is walkable and public transit-friendly, so you may not need a car.

Portland is super walkable and transit-friendly. Areas like Downtown, the Pearl District, Nob Hill, and Buckman are all super walkable. Public transit can get you to most places around the city within about 30 minutes or less if you stay downtown. This will make it very easy to check out a bunch of Portland’s top attractions.

Use buses, the MAX light rail, and the streetcar to get around if you’re going to be in the city for the majority of your trip. Popular lines run every 15 minutes or so and operate until about midnight. 

I recommend getting a Hop Card (physical or virtual via the Hop Fastpass app) as soon as you arrive. They’re easy to fill and cap out at $5.60 a day for an adult. 

Bring a rain jacket, but don’t expect it to rain constantly.

You should expect it to be rainy in Portland, especially for any visit that falls in October through April. That said, one thing a lot of people don’t realize is that while it will likely be rainy a lot of the time, it won’t always be raining. 

There is occasionally stormy weather in Portland (usually from November through January), but for the most part, the rain is more of a drizzle. Usually, there will be moments throughout the day when the rain stops completely.

This is why I recommend bringing a rain jacket that’s packable. That way, you can wear it for a few hours of light rain and then store it in your bag when the sun peeks out again. However, if you visit Portland in the summer you probably won’t need to bring a rain jacket at all.

Be prepared to see very visible homelessness.

One of the sad realities is that you will likely see very visible homelessness when in Portland, especially in the areas around downtown. This is one of the top social challenges the city faces. This problem was exacerbated by the pandemic and has continued to be a struggle.

It’s a bummer to say the least, but be prepared to see tents and possibly people experiencing mental crises in certain areas. On my most recent visit, I found this most prevalent in the areas around Downtown and Old Town Chinatown, near Union Station.

Your comfort level will vary, and I say this to inform you, but not to scare you. You can still safely visit Portland while taking the same safety precautions you would in any big city.

Save money on food by dining at food cart pods.

This city has an incredible food culture, and a uniquely Portland thing I love is its many food cart pods. They’re pretty much what they sound like – a bunch of food trucks clustered together in a permanent area with seating (and rain covers).

These are wonderful gathering places with diverse cuisine options. Find everything from sushi, curry, and Japanese sandos to bagels, crepes, and soul food. Eat at food cart pods if you’re on a budget. They’re usually more affordable than sit-down restaurants. 

Several I’ve been to that I recommend are Midtown Beer Garden, Pod 28 Laurelhurst, and MLK Street Food. I’ve also included a food cart pod in the restaurant recs for all of the mini guides in this article.

If driving, prepare for a lot of one-way streets and look out for bikers.

Planning to drive? First, I’d recommend looking at all your options to get the best car rental deal via Discover Cars. Next, be prepared for a lot of one-way streets in downtown, but also in neighborhoods further from it. For the most part, your GPS won’t lead you astray, but pay extra attention, just in case. 

Finally, biking is big here, and Portland has a lot of bike lanes. Make sure to double-check for bikers to keep everyone safe when driving. This is especially so if you’re coming from a car-centric city and aren’t used to sharing the road with bikes.

Take a day trip to the Oregon Coast, Columbia River Gorge, or Willamette Valley wineries.

Portland has so much to offer… but it’s also near some of the best places to visit in Oregon. Within 30 minutes, you can get to the Columbia River Gorge, a hiker’s paradise. Come here to see Multnomah Falls and tackle dozens of other hikes near Portland. 

Travel about an hour south to arrive at small towns in the Willamette Valley. Here, you can sip wine in quaint tasting rooms or enjoy a glass while looking over rolling hills at a vineyard. Head west for 90 minutes to 2 hours to arrive on the Oregon coast. Visiting the coast is one of the best things to do in Oregon, and it’s easy to fall in love with this special place. 

The number of great day trips from Portland is endless. Plan to head out for a day or two to get familiar with other parts of this beautiful state if you’ll be here for a while anyway.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Portland for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Portland for first-timers are Downtown Portland, Northwest Portland, and Buckman. These areas are walkable, public transit-friendly, have excellent restaurants and bars, and are close to the city’s top attractions.

What areas of Portland should I avoid staying in? 

Avoid staying in Old Town Chinatown, as this is where the city’s social challenges are most present. Avoid staying too far east of Mount Tabor Park, especially if you don’t have a car, because you’ll be far from a lot of the places that visitors will want to see. 

What are the best parts of Portland to stay with kids? 

St. Johns in North Portland, and much of Southeast Portland is a good place to stay with kids. Consider staying in the Buckman area if you’re visiting with older kids because it’s close to great museums and not far from the attractions on the west side. 

You could also book a rental in the Sellwood-Moorland area of Southeast Portland. It’s cute, safe, kid-friendly and is close to Oaks Amusement Park and the Crystal Spring Rhododendron Glen.

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I hope this has helped you figure out where to stay in Portland! Which area are you leaning toward? Leave a comment to let me know or ask me a question if you still need help deciding. 

Once you’ve found your hotel, check out our Oregon packing list so you know exactly what to bring on your trip.